Government removes Covid-19 Leave Payment Scheme effective 4pm 27 March 2020

The Wage Subsidy Scheme is still be available. 

The Minister of Finance, Grant Robertson announced at 3pm on 27 March, 2020 that the Covid-19 Leave Payment Scheme would be disestablished.

Other important information announced included:

• Employers receiving the wage subsidy must make every effort to pay employees at least 80% of their wages, and if they cannot do this, they must pass on the full wage subsidy to employees

• Employers cannot terminate an employee while receiving the wage subsidy

• Names will be published of all employers receiving the Wage Subsidy

• All legal obligations apply including paying staff for hours worked if over and above 80% of their wages/salary,

• Even if your business is not operating currently, you may be still eligible for the Wage Subsidy

Source: SmartPayroll